The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-04-27
JEwELED FOB ABILITY.
MAI. JOHN ID. ADAMS As AN Or
FICER OF THE
knights NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Zee.
Ogniiion by the fraters ut
Pine Blur, Ark.

Mai. John d. Adams, OF Little Rock
is expected in Memphis this morning
tn take in the remainder OF the races.
The major was appropriately remem.
bered by his brother Knights Tenn,
plar, at Pine Bluff, Ark, last week,
He had served faithfully and ably ss
Grand Commander of the State, and
his fratres OF that city presented him
with an elegant Past Grand Masters
jewel. The presentation was made
after the exercises Of the public in
stallation OF the newly elected officers
had been completed. There services
were held at the Opera House in that
city, and attended by Sir Knights.
their ladies and the citizens gene rally.
The matter had been kept profound
secret from Maj, Adams, AMI proved
a genuine surprise. As the jewel is
the finest thing OF the kind ever made
in the United States, a description OF it
is given as follows:
The main portion OF 1t is a gold die,
two and hall inches in diameter,
having around it a raised rim g quar-
ter Of an inch wide, oil the rest of the
face being eunk quarter Of an inch.
In the center OF this is raised NAL
tese cross, which is the emblem OF a
grand commander, this same cross
inclosed within circle being the en-
blem or 'jeweW of past grand COM
mauder. This Maltese cross has a
scarlet enamel face, that color being
the regulation for all grand officers.
The border OF this cross is a row OF
pearls, sixty-eight in number. In the
center OF this cross, and raised from 1t,
is TemplaS's buckler, having a black
enamel face and a gold border. Raised
from this buckler is Christian CROSS
one inch long and composed OF seven
teen diamonds, the largest one being
at the point where the two arms cross,
and then grading off to the ends OF the
arms giving fine perspective effect.
Surrounding the Maltese Cross, and
between II and the raised rim of the
disc, is a wreath OF laurel leaves,
formed Of the most exquisite chased
gold work, every leaf and fibre being
perfect, and in each leaf is set ruby,
there being twenty eight rubies in all.
Above the Christian CROSS is crown
of raised gold work, the head band of
the crown being composed of five
emeralds. This disc, with its wealth
Of gold and precious stone, is suspend
ed by two CT aims OF plain oval gold
links, each chain being three inches
long. The top bar, and also a center
bar, are Of gold, bearing upon them in
chased gold letters the words "Grsnd
Oommandery OF Arkansas" There is
for back to the entire jewel q double
ribbon Of thick gres grained elk, and
upon that part OF the ribbon which is
between the two bars is the mono
gram ~. D, A." elegantly formed OF
gold and set with turquoise stones.
The reverse Of the gold disc is plain
and has engraved npon it the follow
inglegend:
Presented to
X. Il. SIR JOHN DUNSISG ADAMS,
Grand Commander Knights Templar of
Arkansas, 1867, by the
Arkansas Battalion,
In Pleasant Remembrance Of the Trien'
NAL Pilgrimage to st. Louis,
in September, 1885.
This engraving is a most perfect
specimen Of the engravsf's art. The
jewel was made by Ed Williams,
of New York city, whose entire bust.
ness is to make jewels and emblems
used by Masons and other societies.
Mr.. Williams is Knight Templsr aud
a warm friend OF Mel. Adams of many
years. standing. 1t was his purpose
and pride to make this the fineFt piecs
of work OF the kind in the United
States, not only because to do 30 WAS
the wish OF the donors, but also be-
cause he wanted the jewel 10 repre-
sent his own feelings OF friendship for
the recipient. 1t need not be added
that Msj, Adams pr zss it beyond any
eift ever made him, or that could BIZ
presented to him by anyone.